The Prime Minister has called for the United Kingdom's support in repatriating Rohingyas and securing climate finance. He made the appeal during a meeting with a UK representative on the sidelines of the United Nations climate summit (COP31) in Türkiye on Friday (November 12).

Rohingya Repatriation Issue

During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed his expectation of effective UK involvement and diplomatic support for the safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas displaced from Myanmar. He noted that Bangladesh has been sheltering a massive number of displaced people for a long time, placing immense economic and social pressure on the country. He stressed that policy-level and financial assistance from the international community, particularly the UK, is indispensable for a lasting solution to this crisis.

Call for Climate Finance Cooperation

As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, Bangladesh needs adequate and accessible funding from developed nations to strengthen its adaptation and mitigation efforts, the Prime Minister emphasised. He called for UK cooperation in ensuring transparency and speed in the disbursement of climate funds, as well as in technology transfer. The Prime Minister also reportedly sought UK support for establishing a loss and damage fund to address the impacts of climate change.

Diplomatic Significance

Analysts view this bilateral meeting alongside the climate summit as highly significant for Bangladesh. It is crucial for both galvanising international support to resolve the Rohingya crisis and securing funding to tackle the adverse effects of climate change, both of which require the active role of developed countries. Many see this meeting as a demonstration of Bangladesh's growing diplomatic capabilities.